EP1182710B1 - Solar cell back cover material, sealing film and solar cell - Google Patents

Solar cell back cover material, sealing film and solar cell Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1182710B1
EP1182710B1 EP99957398A EP99957398A EP1182710B1 EP 1182710 B1 EP1182710 B1 EP 1182710B1 EP 99957398 A EP99957398 A EP 99957398A EP 99957398 A EP99957398 A EP 99957398A EP 1182710 B1 EP1182710 B1 EP 1182710B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
film
solar battery
covering member
backside covering
solar cell
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99957398A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1182710A1 (en
EP1182710A4 (en
Inventor
Yasuhiro Iino
Kaoru Otani
Kazuya Takano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bridgestone Corp
Original Assignee
Bridgestone Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bridgestone Corp filed Critical Bridgestone Corp
Publication of EP1182710A1 publication Critical patent/EP1182710A1/en
Publication of EP1182710A4 publication Critical patent/EP1182710A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1182710B1 publication Critical patent/EP1182710B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/1055—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer
    • B32B17/10788—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the resin layer, i.e. interlayer containing ethylene vinylacetate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/28—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/306—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B32B27/322—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins comprising halogenated polyolefins, e.g. PTFE
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10F—INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
    • H10F19/00—Integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, comprising at least one photovoltaic cell covered by group H10F10/00, e.g. photovoltaic modules
    • H10F19/80—Encapsulations or containers for integrated devices, or assemblies of multiple devices, having photovoltaic cells
    • H10F19/85—Protective back sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
    • B32B2323/04—Polyethylene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2327/00—Polyvinylhalogenides
    • B32B2327/12—Polyvinylhalogenides containing fluorine
    • B32B2327/18—PTFE, i.e. polytetrafluoroethylene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2331/00—Polyvinylesters
    • B32B2331/04—Polymers of vinyl acetate, e.g. PVA
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2367/00—Polyesters, e.g. PET, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2457/00—Electrical equipment
    • B32B2457/12—Photovoltaic modules
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/3154—Of fluorinated addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/3154—Of fluorinated addition polymer from unsaturated monomers
    • Y10T428/31544—Addition polymer is perhalogenated
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/31551—Of polyamidoester [polyurethane, polyisocyanate, polycarbamate, etc.]
    • Y10T428/31634—Next to cellulosic
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
    • Y10T428/31786—Of polyester [e.g., alkyd, etc.]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a backside covering member to be used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery, a sealing film and a solar battery employing the backside covering member. More particularly, the present invention relates to a backside covering member and a backside covering and sealing film which is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, further has good insulation performance, and does not cause leakage of current, and a durable, high-performance solar battery using the aforementioned backside covering member as a protective member.
  • a typical solar battery comprises a glass substrate 11 as a front side transparent protective member at a light-receiving side, a back side protective member (backside covering member) 12, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) films 13A, 13B as sealing films arranged between the glass substrate 11 and the back side protective member 12, and solar cells or silicon photovoltaic elements 14 sealed by the EVA films 13A, 13B.
  • a glass substrate 11 as a front side transparent protective member at a light-receiving side
  • a back side protective member backside covering member
  • EVA ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
  • the glass substrate 11, the sealing EVA film 13A, silicone photovoltaic elements 14, the sealing EVA film 13B and the backside covering member 12 are successively overlaid in this order and integrated together by heating and crosslinking the EVA.
  • the backside covering member 12 for solar battery is a resin film made of polyethylene monofluoride, white polyester, or the like for achieving light weight and thin wall.
  • the backside covering member 12 It is primarily required for the backside covering member 12 to have excellent moistureproof property for preventing inside wirings or electrodes from corroding due to moisture and/or water permeation in addition to light weight and enough durability.
  • the conventional resin film as the backside covering member can not have enough moistureproof property.
  • moistureproof film is a film made by forming a metal coating film of material such as aluminum on a base film.
  • a moistureproof film using metal such as aluminum is applied to a solar battery, there is possibility of current leakage. Accordingly, such a moistureproof film is inadequate as a moistureproof film used in a solar battery.
  • EP-A-1 150 357 discloses a cover material for solar cells. This document represents prior art under Article 54(3)(4) EPC.
  • EP-A-631 328 discloses a solar cell module comprising cover layers to improve moisture resistance.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a backside covering member and a backside covering and sealing member, to be used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of solar battery, which is light and thin, is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, further has good insulation performance, and does not cause leakage of current, and a durable, high-performance solar battery using the aforementioned backside covering member as the back side protective member.
  • a backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention as defined in claim 1 is used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery.
  • the backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention is light and thin because it dose not employ any glass plate.
  • the moistureproof film has a coating layer of an inorganic oxide deposited on a surface of the base film, thereby obtaining high moistureproof property.
  • the moistureproof film is insulative, there is no possibility of current leakage.
  • EVA adhesives having excellent adhesive property is used for integrally laminating the moistureproof film to the outer film, thereby improving the durability.
  • Prefered embodiments of the present invention are defined in claims 2 to 8.
  • a backside covering and sealing member for solar battery of the present invention functions as a back side protective member of the solar battery and is made by integrally laminating the backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film together, wherein the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film is laminated to a surface of the backside covering member opposite to the outer film, and wherein further a reflection layer is included, formed on the surface of the mointureproof film opposite to the surface on which said outer film is laminated.
  • a solar battery of the present invention comprises solar cells which are sealed between a front side protective member and a back side protective member.
  • the back side protective member is the backside covering member of the present invention.
  • Figs. 1 is a sectional view showing a backside covering member for solar battery
  • Fig.2 shows an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the solar battery of the present invention.
  • the backside covering member 1 shown in Fig. 1 is constituted of a moistureproof film 2 and an outer film 3 which are integrally laminated to each other via an EVA adhesive film (hereinafter, referred to as "EVA film”) 4.
  • EVA film EVA adhesive film
  • the moistureproof film 2 is preferably constituted of a transparent base film 2A including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and a moistureproof layer 2B formed on the film 2A by depositing inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method.
  • the outer film 3 is bonded to the surface of the moistureproof layer 2B by the EVA film 4.
  • the moistureproof layer 2B made of inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina formed on the base film 2A is easily scratched and/or stripped. Therefore, the moistureproof film 2 may be constituted of two base films 2A, 2A and a moistureproof layer 2B sandwiched by the base films 2A, 2A just like a backside covering member 1A as shown in Fig. 2 so that the moistureproof layer 2B is not exposed to outside.
  • a reflection film 5 is bonded to a surface of a moistureproof film 2' opposite to the surface bonded to the outer film 3 by an EVA film 4. The reflection film 5 improves the efficiency for light utilization and thus improves the generation efficiency.
  • the backside covering member 1A of lamination type may be prepared with two films each comprising a basic film such as a PET film and a moistureproof layer of inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina formed on the basic film.
  • the two films are bonded to each other by an adhesive film in a state that the respective moistureproof layers face to each other.
  • the member is prepared with a reflection film such as a white PET film.
  • the reflection films are bonded to each other by an adhesive film such as an EVA film, and an outer film 3 is further bonded onto the outer surface of the bonded reflection films.
  • the EVA films used here and the adhesive conditions thereof are the same as the cases for bonding the moistureproof film and the outer films as described later.
  • 2' is a transparent PET film having a thickness of 6-250 ⁇ m and the moistureproof layer is preferably formed to have a thickness of 5 ⁇ m or less.
  • the reflection film 5 is a white PET film having a thickness of 6-250 ⁇ m.
  • An example of the outer film 3 is a fluororesin film having excellent ultraviolet resistance.
  • fluororesin are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4-fluoroethylene-perchloroalkoxy-copolymer (PFA), 4-fluoroethylene-6-fluoropropylene-copolymer (FEP), 2-ethylene-4-fluoroethylene-copolymer (ETFE), poly3-chlorofluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • PFA 4-fluoroethylene-perchloroalkoxy-copolymer
  • FEP 4-fluoroethylene-6-fluoropropylene-copolymer
  • ETFE 2-ethylene-4-fluoroethylene-copolymer
  • PCTFE poly3-chlorofluoroethylene
  • PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride
  • PVDF polyvinyl fluoride
  • the thickness of the outer film 3 is preferably in a range between 12 ⁇ m and 200 ⁇ m.
  • the backside covering member 1 for solar battery of the present invention can be easily manufactured by interposing the EVA film 4 between the aforementioned moistureproof film 2 and the outer film 3, and heating and pressing them in the bonding condition of the EVA film 4 to laminate them integrally.
  • the thickness of the EVA film is preferably in a range between 5 ⁇ m and 50 ⁇ m.
  • the backside covering member of the present invention is used for sealing solar cells, instead of the conventional backside covering member shown in Fig. 4. It is preferable that the backside covering member is previously integrally laminated to a sealing EVA film and is used as the backside covering and sealing film of the present invention.
  • the backside covering and sealing film of the present invention comprises a backside covering member 1 made by integrally laminating an outer film 3 and a moistureproof film 2 via a EVA film 4 further including a reflection film 5, and a sealing EVA film 6 integrally laminated on a surface of the backside covering member 1 or 1A opposite to the outer film 3.
  • the thickness of the sealing EVA film 6 is preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
  • the solar battery 10 of the present invention can be easily manufactured by integrally laminating a backside covering member 1, a sealing EVA film 6, solar cells such as silicon photovoltaic elements 7, a sealing EVA film 6, and a glass plate or a high-function lamination film as a surface-side transparent protective member 8 together.
  • the stack is degassed, pressed, and heated according to the normal method i.e. by means of a vacuum laminator at a temperature of 120-150 °C, with a time period for degassing 2-15 minutes, at a pressure of 0.5-1 atm, and a time period for pressing 8-45 minutes.
  • the EVA resin compound as a material of EVA films used in the backside covering member and the solar battery contains a cross-linking agent to have cross-linked structure for improving the weatherability.
  • An organic peroxide having radical generation temperature equal to or more than 100 °C is generally used as this cross-linking agent. More particularly, an organic peroxide having decomposition temperature equal to or more than 70°C for a half life of 10 hours is preferably used in view of the stability when mixed.
  • organic peroxide examples include 2,5-dimethylhexane; 2,5-dihydroperoxide; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(t-butylperoxy)hexane; 3-di-t-butylperoxide; t-dicumyl peroxide; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; dicumyl peroxide; ⁇ , ⁇ '-bis (t-butyl peroxy isopropyl)-benzene; n-buthyl-4,4-bis (t-butyl-, peroxy)butane; 2,2-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)-butane; 1,1-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)cyclohexane; 1,1-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; t-butyl peroxy benzoate; and benzoyl
  • the EVA resin preferably includes silane coupling agent in order to improve the adhesive property.
  • silane coupling agent used as the silane coupling agent for this purpose may be one known in the art, for example, ⁇ -chloropropyl trimethoxy silane; vinyltrichlorosilane; vinyltriethoxysilane; vinyl-tris ( ⁇ -methoxyethoxy) silane; ⁇ -methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane; ⁇ -(3,4-ethoxycyclohexyl) ethyl trimethoxy silane; ⁇ -glycidoxypropyltrimetoxysilane; vinyltriacetoxy silane; ⁇ -mercaptopropyl trimethoxy silane; ⁇ -aminopropyl trimethoxy silane; and N- ⁇ -(aminoethyl)- ⁇ -aminopropyl trimethoxy silane.
  • the content of the silane coupling agent is generally 5 parts by weight or less,
  • a crosslinking aid may be added to the EVA.
  • the crosslinking aid for this purpose are trifunctional crosslinking aids such as triallyl isocyanurate; triallyl isocyanate, monofunctional crosslinking aids such as NK ester.
  • the content of the crosslinking aid is generally 10 parts by weight or less, preferably 1-5 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • hydroquinone To improve the stability of the EVA resin, hydroquinone; hydroquinone monomethyl ether; p-benzoquinone; and/or methyl hydroquinone may be added.
  • the content of such additive is generally 5 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • coloring agent ultraviolet absorbing agent, antioxidant, anti-discoloration agent may be added.
  • the coloring agent is exemplified by inorganic pigments such as metallic oxide and metal powder, organic pigments such as lake pigments of azo group, phthalocyanine group, azi group, acid dye group, and basic dye group.
  • the ultraviolet absorbing agent is exemplified by benzophenone series compounds including 2-hydroxy-4-octoxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-metoxy-5-sulphobenzophenone, benzotriazole series compounds including 2-(2'-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-benzotoriazole, and hindered amine series compounds including phenylsulcylate and p-t-buthylphenylsulcylate.
  • the antioxidant is exemplified by amine series compounds, phenol series compounds, bisphenyl series compound, and hinderdamine series compounds. Specific examples are di-t-butyl-p-cresol and bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperazyl)sebacate.
  • the backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention is light and thin, is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, and does not cause leakage of current. Therefore, by employing the backside covering member, a high-performance solar battery can be provided which has excellent moistureproof property, is thus prevented from corrosion, is excellent in the durability, and is prevented from deterioration due to leakage of current.
  • the backside covering and sealing film of the present invention is manufactured by integrally laminating the above backside covering member and an EVA film. Therefore, by employing the backside covering and sealing film, a high-performance solar battery which is lightweight and excellent in impact resistance and durability can be effectively manufactured with excellent workability.
  • the solar battery of the present invention employs the backside covering member of the present invention as a back side protective member and thus has high performance and excellent durability.

Landscapes

  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)

Abstract

A solar cell back cover material (1) formed by laminating for integration a skin film (3) and a moisture-proof film (2) with an EVA adhesive (4), wherein the moisture-proof film (2) is prepared by forming an inorganic oxide coating film on the front surface of a base material film. A solar cell back cover material/sealing film formed by laminating for integration this back cover material (1) and an EVA film (6). A solar cell (10) formed by sealing solar cell elements (7) between a front-surface-side transparent protection member (8) and a rear-surface-side protection member consisting of this solar cell back cover material (1). A solar cell back cover material and a solar cell back cover material/sealing film which are lightweight and thin, excellent in moisture-proof ability and durability, high in insulating performance and free from leaked current, and a high-durability and high-performance solar cell which uses the back cover material as a rear-surface-side protection member.

Description

    Field of the invention
  • The present invention relates to a backside covering member to be used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery, a sealing film and a solar battery employing the backside covering member. More particularly, the present invention relates to a backside covering member and a backside covering and sealing film which is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, further has good insulation performance, and does not cause leakage of current, and a durable, high-performance solar battery using the aforementioned backside covering member as a protective member.
    • Background of the invention
  • In recent years, solar cells which directly convert sunlight to electric energy are drawing the attention of people in view of effective utilization of natural materials and prevention against environmental pollution and thus its development is promoted.
  • A typical solar battery comprises a glass substrate 11 as a front side transparent protective member at a light-receiving side, a back side protective member (backside covering member) 12, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) films 13A, 13B as sealing films arranged between the glass substrate 11 and the back side protective member 12, and solar cells or silicon photovoltaic elements 14 sealed by the EVA films 13A, 13B.
  • To manufacture this solar battery, the glass substrate 11, the sealing EVA film 13A, silicone photovoltaic elements 14, the sealing EVA film 13B and the backside covering member 12 are successively overlaid in this order and integrated together by heating and crosslinking the EVA.
  • The backside covering member 12 for solar battery is a resin film made of polyethylene monofluoride, white polyester, or the like for achieving light weight and thin wall.
  • It is primarily required for the backside covering member 12 to have excellent moistureproof property for preventing inside wirings or electrodes from corroding due to moisture and/or water permeation in addition to light weight and enough durability. However, the conventional resin film as the backside covering member can not have enough moistureproof property.
  • Generally known as moistureproof film is a film made by forming a metal coating film of material such as aluminum on a base film. However, when such a moistureproof film using metal such as aluminum is applied to a solar battery, there is possibility of current leakage. Accordingly, such a moistureproof film is inadequate as a moistureproof film used in a solar battery. EP-A-1 150 357 discloses a cover material for solar cells. This document represents prior art under Article 54(3)(4) EPC. EP-A-631 328 discloses a solar cell module comprising cover layers to improve moisture resistance.
  • The object of the present invention is to provide a backside covering member and a backside covering and sealing member, to be used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of solar battery, which is light and thin, is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, further has good insulation performance, and does not cause leakage of current, and a durable, high-performance solar battery using the aforementioned backside covering member as the back side protective member.
  • A backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention as defined in claim 1 is used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery.
  • The backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention is light and thin because it dose not employ any glass plate.
  • The moistureproof film has a coating layer of an inorganic oxide deposited on a surface of the base film, thereby obtaining high moistureproof property. In addition, since the moistureproof film is insulative, there is no possibility of current leakage. EVA adhesives having excellent adhesive property is used for integrally laminating the moistureproof film to the outer film, thereby improving the durability. Prefered embodiments of the present invention are defined in claims 2 to 8.
  • A backside covering and sealing member for solar battery of the present invention functions as a back side protective member of the solar battery and is made by integrally laminating the backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film together, wherein the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film is laminated to a surface of the backside covering member opposite to the outer film, and wherein further a reflection layer is included, formed on the surface of the mointureproof film opposite to the surface on which said outer film is laminated.
  • A solar battery of the present invention comprises solar cells which are sealed between a front side protective member and a back side protective member. The back side protective member is the backside covering member of the present invention.
    • Brief description of the drawings
    • FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a backside covering member for solar battery;
    • FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention;
    • Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the solar battery of the present invention; and
    • Fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a conventional solar battery.
    Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
  • Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
  • Figs. 1 is a sectional view showing a backside covering member for solar battery, Fig.2 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the solar battery of the present invention.
  • The backside covering member 1 shown in Fig. 1 is constituted of a moistureproof film 2 and an outer film 3 which are integrally laminated to each other via an EVA adhesive film (hereinafter, referred to as "EVA film") 4.
  • The moistureproof film 2 is preferably constituted of a transparent base film 2A including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and a moistureproof layer 2B formed on the film 2A by depositing inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method. The outer film 3 is bonded to the surface of the moistureproof layer 2B by the EVA film 4.
  • As shown in Fig. 1, the moistureproof layer 2B made of inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina formed on the base film 2A is easily scratched and/or stripped. Therefore, the moistureproof film 2 may be constituted of two base films 2A, 2A and a moistureproof layer 2B sandwiched by the base films 2A, 2A just like a backside covering member 1A as shown in Fig. 2 so that the moistureproof layer 2B is not exposed to outside. In the backside covering member 1A shown in Fig. 2, a reflection film 5 is bonded to a surface of a moistureproof film 2' opposite to the surface bonded to the outer film 3 by an EVA film 4. The reflection film 5 improves the efficiency for light utilization and thus improves the generation efficiency. The backside covering member 1A of lamination type may be prepared with two films each comprising a basic film such as a PET film and a moistureproof layer of inorganic oxide such as silica and alumina formed on the basic film. The two films are bonded to each other by an adhesive film in a state that the respective moistureproof layers face to each other. The member is prepared with a reflection film such as a white PET film. The reflection films are bonded to each other by an adhesive film such as an EVA film, and an outer film 3 is further bonded onto the outer surface of the bonded reflection films. The EVA films used here and the adhesive conditions thereof are the same as the cases for bonding the moistureproof film and the outer films as described later.
  • Suitably used as the base film 2A for the moistureproof film 2, 2' is a transparent PET film having a thickness of 6-250 µm and the moistureproof layer is preferably formed to have a thickness of 5 µm or less. Suitably used as the reflection film 5 is a white PET film having a thickness of 6-250 µm.
  • An example of the outer film 3 is a fluororesin film having excellent ultraviolet resistance. Specific examples of fluororesin are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4-fluoroethylene-perchloroalkoxy-copolymer (PFA), 4-fluoroethylene-6-fluoropropylene-copolymer (FEP), 2-ethylene-4-fluoroethylene-copolymer (ETFE), poly3-chlorofluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).
  • The thickness of the outer film 3 is preferably in a range between 12 µm and 200 µm.
  • The backside covering member 1 for solar battery of the present invention can be easily manufactured by interposing the EVA film 4 between the aforementioned moistureproof film 2 and the outer film 3, and heating and pressing them in the bonding condition of the EVA film 4 to laminate them integrally.
  • The thickness of the EVA film is preferably in a range between 5 µm and 50 µm.
  • To manufacture the solar battery of the present invention using the backside covering member for solar battery as mentioned above, the backside covering member of the present invention is used for sealing solar cells, instead of the conventional backside covering member shown in Fig. 4. It is preferable that the backside covering member is previously integrally laminated to a sealing EVA film and is used as the backside covering and sealing film of the present invention.
  • The backside covering and sealing film of the present invention comprises a backside covering member 1 made by integrally laminating an outer film 3 and a moistureproof film 2 via a EVA film 4 further including a reflection film 5, and a sealing EVA film 6 integrally laminated on a surface of the backside covering member 1 or 1A opposite to the outer film 3.
  • The thickness of the sealing EVA film 6 is preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.
  • The solar battery 10 of the present invention can be easily manufactured by integrally laminating a backside covering member 1, a sealing EVA film 6, solar cells such as silicon photovoltaic elements 7, a sealing EVA film 6, and a glass plate or a high-function lamination film as a surface-side transparent protective member 8 together. The stack is degassed, pressed, and heated according to the normal method i.e. by means of a vacuum laminator at a temperature of 120-150 °C, with a time period for degassing 2-15 minutes, at a pressure of 0.5-1 atm, and a time period for pressing 8-45 minutes.
  • The EVA resin compound as a material of EVA films used in the backside covering member and the solar battery contains a cross-linking agent to have cross-linked structure for improving the weatherability.
  • An organic peroxide having radical generation temperature equal to or more than 100 °C is generally used as this cross-linking agent. More particularly, an organic peroxide having decomposition temperature equal to or more than 70°C for a half life of 10 hours is preferably used in view of the stability when mixed. Specific examples used as the organic peroxide are 2,5-dimethylhexane; 2,5-dihydroperoxide; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di-(t-butylperoxy)hexane; 3-di-t-butylperoxide; t-dicumyl peroxide; 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; dicumyl peroxide; α, α'-bis (t-butyl peroxy isopropyl)-benzene; n-buthyl-4,4-bis (t-butyl-, peroxy)butane; 2,2-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)-butane; 1,1-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)cyclohexane; 1,1-bis (t-butyl-peroxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane; t-butyl peroxy benzoate; and benzoyl peroxide. The content of the organic peroxide is generally 5 parts by weight or less, preferably 1-3 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • The EVA resin preferably includes silane coupling agent in order to improve the adhesive property. Used as the silane coupling agent for this purpose may be one known in the art, for example, γ-chloropropyl trimethoxy silane; vinyltrichlorosilane; vinyltriethoxysilane; vinyl-tris (β-methoxyethoxy) silane; γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane; β-(3,4-ethoxycyclohexyl) ethyl trimethoxy silane; γ-glycidoxypropyltrimetoxysilane; vinyltriacetoxy silane; γ-mercaptopropyl trimethoxy silane; γ-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane; and N-β-(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane. The content of the silane coupling agent is generally 5 parts by weight or less, preferably 0.1-2 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • To increase the gel fraction of the EVA resin and improve the durability, a crosslinking aid may be added to the EVA. Specific examples of the crosslinking aid for this purpose are trifunctional crosslinking aids such as triallyl isocyanurate; triallyl isocyanate, monofunctional crosslinking aids such as NK ester. The content of the crosslinking aid is generally 10 parts by weight or less, preferably 1-5 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • To improve the stability of the EVA resin, hydroquinone; hydroquinone monomethyl ether; p-benzoquinone; and/or methyl hydroquinone may be added. The content of such additive is generally 5 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of EVA resin.
  • If necessary, in addition to the aforementioned additives, coloring agent, ultraviolet absorbing agent, antioxidant, anti-discoloration agent may be added. The coloring agent is exemplified by inorganic pigments such as metallic oxide and metal powder, organic pigments such as lake pigments of azo group, phthalocyanine group, azi group, acid dye group, and basic dye group. The ultraviolet absorbing agent is exemplified by benzophenone series compounds including 2-hydroxy-4-octoxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-metoxy-5-sulphobenzophenone, benzotriazole series compounds including 2-(2'-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-benzotoriazole, and hindered amine series compounds including phenylsulcylate and p-t-buthylphenylsulcylate. The antioxidant is exemplified by amine series compounds, phenol series compounds, bisphenyl series compound, and hinderdamine series compounds. Specific examples are di-t-butyl-p-cresol and bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperazyl)sebacate.
    • Industrial Applicability
  • As described above, the backside covering member for solar battery of the present invention is light and thin, is excellent in moistureproof property and durability, and does not cause leakage of current. Therefore, by employing the backside covering member, a high-performance solar battery can be provided which has excellent moistureproof property, is thus prevented from corrosion, is excellent in the durability, and is prevented from deterioration due to leakage of current.
  • The backside covering and sealing film of the present invention is manufactured by integrally laminating the above backside covering member and an EVA film. Therefore, by employing the backside covering and sealing film, a high-performance solar battery which is lightweight and excellent in impact resistance and durability can be effectively manufactured with excellent workability.
  • The solar battery of the present invention employs the backside covering member of the present invention as a back side protective member and thus has high performance and excellent durability.

Claims (8)

  1. A backside covering member to be used as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery, made by integrally laminating an outer film and a moistureproof film with ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer adhesives, wherein said moistureproof film is constituted of a base film and a coating layer of an inorganic oxide deposited on a surface of said base film, further including a reflection layer formed on a surface of said moistureproof film opposite to a surface on which said outer film is laminated.
  2. A backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein said moistureproof film is a laminate of two base films and the coating layer interposed between said base films.
  3. A backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the base film of said moistureproof film is a polyethylene terephthalate film and the coating layer of said moistureproof film is made of silica or alumina.
  4. A backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said outer film is made of fluororesin.
  5. A backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluororesin is one or two of a group including polytetrafluoroethylene, 4-fluoroethylene-perchloroalkoxy-copolymer, 4-fluoroethylene-6-fluoropropylene-copolymer, 2-ethylene-4-fluoroethylene-copolymer, poly3-chlorofluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyvinyl fluoride.
  6. A backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reflection layer is made of white polyethylene terephthalate.
  7. A sealing film having a function as a protective member for protecting back sides of solar cells of a solar battery, wherein said sealing film is made by integrally laminating a backside covering member for solar battery as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 6 and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film together, wherein said ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film is laminated to a surface of said backside covering member opposite to the outer film.
  8. A solar battery in which solar cells are sealed between a front side protective member and a back side protective member, wherein said back side protective member is the backside covering member as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 6.
EP99957398A 1999-04-07 1999-12-01 Solar cell back cover material, sealing film and solar cell Expired - Lifetime EP1182710B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP11100335A JP2000294813A (en) 1999-04-07 1999-04-07 Back cover material for solar cell and solar cell
JP10033599 1999-04-07
PCT/JP1999/006726 WO2000062348A1 (en) 1999-04-07 1999-12-01 Solar cell back cover material, sealing film and solar cell

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1182710A1 EP1182710A1 (en) 2002-02-27
EP1182710A4 EP1182710A4 (en) 2002-08-21
EP1182710B1 true EP1182710B1 (en) 2006-06-21

Family

ID=14271281

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99957398A Expired - Lifetime EP1182710B1 (en) 1999-04-07 1999-12-01 Solar cell back cover material, sealing film and solar cell

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6407329B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1182710B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000294813A (en)
DE (1) DE69932098T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000062348A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8168885B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-05-01 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Low modulus solar cell encapsulant sheets with enhanced stability and adhesion
US8197928B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2012-06-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Intrusion resistant safety glazings and solar cell modules
US8603272B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2013-12-10 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multilayer films containing a fluorinated copolymer resin layer and an encapsulant layer
US8609980B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2013-12-17 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Cross-linkable ionomeric encapsulants for photovoltaic cells
US8609777B2 (en) 2009-07-31 2013-12-17 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Cross-linkable encapsulants for photovoltaic cells
US8962971B2 (en) 2009-03-03 2015-02-24 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Laminated polymer film and solar module made thereof
US9583668B2 (en) 2000-11-29 2017-02-28 The Australian National University Semiconductor device

Families Citing this family (147)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6335479B1 (en) * 1998-10-13 2002-01-01 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module
JP4036616B2 (en) * 2000-01-31 2008-01-23 三洋電機株式会社 Solar cell module
ES2391842T3 (en) 2000-07-03 2012-11-30 Bridgestone Corporation Coating material of the rear face of a solar cell module and its use
JP4887551B2 (en) * 2000-07-03 2012-02-29 株式会社ブリヂストン Solar cell back cover material sealing film and solar cell
MY144264A (en) 2001-11-29 2011-08-29 Transform Solar Pty Ltd Semiconductur texturing process
JP3889644B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2007-03-07 三洋電機株式会社 Solar cell module
JP4271412B2 (en) * 2002-06-06 2009-06-03 シャープ株式会社 Regeneration method of solar cell module
WO2006108314A1 (en) 2005-04-11 2006-10-19 Oc Oerlikon Balzers Ag Solar cell module and method of encapsulating same
US7906722B2 (en) * 2005-04-19 2011-03-15 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Concentrating solar collector with solid optical element
MX2007015600A (en) * 2005-06-13 2008-02-25 3M Innovative Properties Co LAMINATED PRODUCTS CONTAINING FLUOROPOLYMERS.
JP2007067203A (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-15 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Solar cell module and method for manufacturing solar cell module
EP1930953A4 (en) * 2005-09-30 2014-08-13 Toray Industries SEALING FILM FOR SOLAR CELL MODULE AND SOLAR CELL MODULE
US7765949B2 (en) * 2005-11-17 2010-08-03 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Extrusion/dispensing systems and methods
US20070107773A1 (en) * 2005-11-17 2007-05-17 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Bifacial cell with extruded gridline metallization
US7799371B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2010-09-21 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Extruding/dispensing multiple materials to form high-aspect ratio extruded structures
US20070169806A1 (en) * 2006-01-20 2007-07-26 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Solar cell production using non-contact patterning and direct-write metallization
JP4663664B2 (en) * 2006-03-30 2011-04-06 三洋電機株式会社 Solar cell module
US7855335B2 (en) * 2006-04-26 2010-12-21 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Beam integration for concentrating solar collector
US7638708B2 (en) * 2006-05-05 2009-12-29 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Laminated solar concentrating photovoltaic device
US7851693B2 (en) * 2006-05-05 2010-12-14 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Passively cooled solar concentrating photovoltaic device
EP2046888B1 (en) * 2006-08-04 2018-02-21 Arkema France Photovoltaic modules having a polyvinylidene fluoride surface
EP1898470B1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2011-07-27 Keiwa Inc. Use of a back sheet for photovoltaic modules and resulting photovoltaic module
US20080053516A1 (en) 2006-08-30 2008-03-06 Richard Allen Hayes Solar cell modules comprising poly(allyl amine) and poly (vinyl amine)-primed polyester films
US7922471B2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2011-04-12 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Extruded structure with equilibrium shape
US8226391B2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2012-07-24 Solarworld Innovations Gmbh Micro-extrusion printhead nozzle with tapered cross-section
US8322025B2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2012-12-04 Solarworld Innovations Gmbh Apparatus for forming a plurality of high-aspect ratio gridline structures
US7780812B2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2010-08-24 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Extrusion head with planarized edge surface
US20080116183A1 (en) * 2006-11-21 2008-05-22 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Light Scanning Mechanism For Scan Displacement Invariant Laser Ablation Apparatus
US20080116182A1 (en) * 2006-11-21 2008-05-22 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Multiple Station Scan Displacement Invariant Laser Ablation Apparatus
US20080128018A1 (en) 2006-12-04 2008-06-05 Richard Allen Hayes Solar cells which include the use of certain poly(vinyl butyral)/film bilayer encapsulant layers with a low blocking tendency and a simplified process to produce thereof
US7638438B2 (en) * 2006-12-12 2009-12-29 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Solar cell fabrication using extrusion mask
US7928015B2 (en) * 2006-12-12 2011-04-19 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Solar cell fabrication using extruded dopant-bearing materials
US20080185039A1 (en) 2007-02-02 2008-08-07 Hing Wah Chan Conductor fabrication for optical element
JP5237569B2 (en) * 2007-02-27 2013-07-17 東洋アルミニウム株式会社 Solar cell back surface protection sheet and solar cell module including the same
CA2680268C (en) * 2007-03-09 2015-11-03 3M Innovative Properties Company Multilayer film
US8347564B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2013-01-08 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Solar cell module
US20080264411A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-30 Beranek Gerald D Solar Collector with Hydrophilic Photocatalytic Coated Protective Pane
US20080264469A1 (en) * 2007-04-27 2008-10-30 Sol Focus, Inc. Solar power unit with integrated primary structure
US7954449B2 (en) 2007-05-08 2011-06-07 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Wiring-free, plumbing-free, cooled, vacuum chuck
US10050164B2 (en) * 2007-06-15 2018-08-14 Arkema Inc. Photovoltaic modules having a polyvinylidene fluoride backsheet
US7641965B1 (en) 2008-06-30 2010-01-05 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Transparent light-weight safety glazings
TWI453922B (en) * 2008-08-12 2014-09-21 Toyo Aluminium Kk Back protection sheet for solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
US7999175B2 (en) * 2008-09-09 2011-08-16 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Interdigitated back contact silicon solar cells with laser ablated grooves
WO2010041542A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 旭硝子株式会社 Dark-colored fluororesin film, and back sheet for solar battery module
JP6076598B2 (en) 2008-10-31 2017-02-08 イー・アイ・デュポン・ドウ・ヌムール・アンド・カンパニーＥ．Ｉ．Ｄｕ Ｐｏｎｔ Ｄｅ Ｎｅｍｏｕｒｓ Ａｎｄ Ｃｏｍｐａｎｙ Solar cell module containing low haze encapsulant
US20100118081A1 (en) * 2008-11-07 2010-05-13 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Dead Volume Removal From An Extrusion Printhead
US8117983B2 (en) 2008-11-07 2012-02-21 Solarworld Innovations Gmbh Directional extruded bead control
US20100221435A1 (en) * 2008-11-07 2010-09-02 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Micro-Extrusion System With Airjet Assisted Bead Deflection
US8080729B2 (en) * 2008-11-24 2011-12-20 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Melt planarization of solar cell bus bars
US20100130014A1 (en) * 2008-11-26 2010-05-27 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Texturing multicrystalline silicon
US8960120B2 (en) * 2008-12-09 2015-02-24 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Micro-extrusion printhead with nozzle valves
US20100139754A1 (en) * 2008-12-09 2010-06-10 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Solar Cell With Co-Planar Backside Metallization
US20100139756A1 (en) * 2008-12-10 2010-06-10 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Simultaneously Writing Bus Bars And Gridlines For Solar Cell
US20100154867A1 (en) 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Mechanically reliable solar cell modules
CN102272946B (en) 2008-12-31 2013-11-27 纳幕尔杜邦公司 Solar cell module including encapsulating sheet having low haze and high moisture resistance
CN101807610A (en) * 2009-02-17 2010-08-18 E.I.内穆尔杜邦公司 Adhesive film for improving light capturing efficiency and solar cell panel using same
US20100206356A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Rotational Trough Reflector Array For Solar-Electricity Generation
US20100206379A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Rotational Trough Reflector Array With Solid Optical Element For Solar-Electricity Generation
US20100206357A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Two-Part Solar Energy Collection System With Replaceable Solar Collector Component
US20100206302A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Rotational Trough Reflector Array For Solar-Electricity Generation
WO2010109947A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 コニカミノルタオプト株式会社 Moisture-proof film, process for producing same, back sheet for solar battery module comprising same, and solar battery module
JP5474425B2 (en) * 2009-07-10 2014-04-16 電気化学工業株式会社 Vinylidene fluoride resin film and solar cell back surface protection sheet using the same
WO2011037033A1 (en) * 2009-09-23 2011-03-31 三菱樹脂株式会社 Laminated polyester film
US20110083728A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-14 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Disordered Nanowire Solar Cell
US20110100419A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2011-05-05 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Linear Concentrating Solar Collector With Decentered Trough-Type Relectors
EP2508563B1 (en) 2009-11-30 2017-04-26 Denka Company Limited Polyvinylidene fluoride resin composition, film, back sheet, and solar cell module
KR101125184B1 (en) * 2010-03-02 2012-03-21 주식회사 에스에프씨 Preparation Method of Backside Protective Sheet for Solar Cell Module
JP4658226B1 (en) * 2010-03-23 2011-03-23 尾池工業株式会社 Gas barrier film manufacturing method and gas barrier film
US8211265B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2012-07-03 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for preparing multilayer structures containing a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer
US8211264B2 (en) 2010-06-07 2012-07-03 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for preparing transparent multilayer film structures having a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer
US8409379B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2013-04-02 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multilayer structures containing a fluorinated copolymer resin layer and an ethylene terpolymer layer
US8884156B2 (en) 2010-11-29 2014-11-11 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Solar energy harvesting device using stimuli-responsive material
US8040609B1 (en) 2010-11-29 2011-10-18 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Self-adjusting solar light transmission apparatus
US20120211057A1 (en) * 2011-02-18 2012-08-23 Honeywell International Inc. Photovoltaic back sheet laminates, photovoltaic modules comprising photovoltaic back sheet laminates, and methods for making photovoltaic back sheet laminates
EP2695199A4 (en) * 2011-04-01 2014-11-12 Nuvosun Inc PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES OF SHINGLE TYPE
KR101349734B1 (en) * 2011-04-26 2014-01-16 율촌화학 주식회사 Back sheet for solar cell module and solar cell module comprising the same
KR101320024B1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2013-10-22 율촌화학 주식회사 Back sheet for solar cell module and solar cell module comprising the same
TW201334965A (en) 2012-01-17 2013-09-01 Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kk Multilayer film, solar cell back sheet and solar cell module
KR101919294B1 (en) 2012-05-02 2018-11-15 헨켈 아이피 앤드 홀딩 게엠베하 Curable encapsulants and use thereof
NL2008841C2 (en) * 2012-05-16 2013-11-20 Novopolymers N V Multilayer backsheet for photovoltaic modules.
US8752380B2 (en) 2012-05-22 2014-06-17 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Collapsible solar-thermal concentrator for renewable, sustainable expeditionary power generator system
JP5993236B2 (en) 2012-07-23 2016-09-14 デンカ株式会社 Multilayer sheet, solar cell backsheet, and solar cell module
CN102863918B (en) * 2012-10-19 2014-07-30 杭州索康博能源科技有限公司 High-efficiency solar packaging film
CN104870186B (en) 2012-12-19 2018-04-27 纳幕尔杜邦公司 Cross-linking acid copolymer compositions and its purposes in glass laminate
CN103074023A (en) * 2013-01-24 2013-05-01 浙江晶茂科技有限公司 Adhesive composition, preparation method of adhesive composition, and application of adhesive composition in solar cell back plate
WO2015168073A1 (en) 2014-04-29 2015-11-05 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Solar cell modules with improved backsheet
WO2015168068A1 (en) 2014-04-29 2015-11-05 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Photovoltaic cells with improved multilayer backsheet
CN106232725A (en) 2014-04-29 2016-12-14 纳幕尔杜邦公司 There is the photovoltaic cell of the backboard of improvement
TWI679259B (en) 2014-08-11 2019-12-11 德商漢高智慧財產控股公司 Optically clear hot melt adhesives and uses thereof
JP6269527B2 (en) * 2015-02-19 2018-01-31 信越化学工業株式会社 Manufacturing method of solar cell module
RU2752168C2 (en) 2016-10-05 2021-07-23 Денка Компани Лимитед Resin composition and membrane structure containing resin composition
US11398795B2 (en) 2019-12-20 2022-07-26 GAF Energy LLC Roof integrated photovoltaic system
WO2021150763A1 (en) 2020-01-22 2021-07-29 GAF Energy LLC Integrated photovoltaic roofing shingles, methods, systems, and kits thereof
US11961928B2 (en) 2020-02-27 2024-04-16 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic module with light-scattering encapsulant providing shingle-mimicking appearance
MX2022012640A (en) 2020-04-09 2023-01-11 GAF Energy LLC Three-dimensional laminate photovoltaic module.
CN111384190A (en) * 2020-04-23 2020-07-07 苏州福斯特光伏材料有限公司 Transparent front substrate for solar cell module, preparation method and cell module
EP4143891A4 (en) 2020-04-30 2024-05-29 Gaf Energy LLC Photovoltaic module frontsheet and backsheet
WO2021230938A1 (en) 2020-05-13 2021-11-18 GAF Energy LLC Electrical cable passthrough
CN115769383A (en) 2020-06-04 2023-03-07 Gaf能源有限责任公司 Photovoltaic roof panel and its installation method
MX2023000952A (en) 2020-07-22 2023-04-19 GAF Energy LLC PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES.
CA3188361A1 (en) 2020-08-11 2022-02-17 Richard Perkins Roof mounted photovoltaic system and method for wireless transfer of electrical energy
WO2022051593A1 (en) 2020-09-03 2022-03-10 GAF Energy LLC Building integrated photovoltaic system
US11545928B2 (en) 2020-10-13 2023-01-03 GAF Energy LLC Solar roofing system
WO2022081853A1 (en) 2020-10-14 2022-04-21 GAF Energy LLC Mounting apparatus for photovoltaic modules
CA3196900A1 (en) 2020-10-29 2022-05-05 Michael David KUIPER System of roofing and photovoltaic shingles and methods of installing same
US11486144B2 (en) 2020-11-12 2022-11-01 GAF Energy LLC Roofing shingles with handles
CA3197598A1 (en) 2020-11-13 2022-05-19 Gabriela Bunea Photovoltaic module systems and methods
MX2023006559A (en) 2020-12-02 2023-09-18 GAF Energy LLC Step flaps for photovoltaic and roofing shingles.
WO2022159478A1 (en) 2021-01-19 2022-07-28 GAF Energy LLC Watershedding features for roofing shingles
CA3208699A1 (en) 2021-02-19 2022-08-25 William Sirski Photovoltaic module for a roof with continuous fiber tape
US12568694B2 (en) 2021-03-19 2026-03-03 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic module with a laminated potted printed circuit board
WO2022212173A1 (en) 2021-03-29 2022-10-06 GAF Energy LLC Electrical components for photovoltaic systems
MX2023013029A (en) * 2021-05-06 2023-11-16 GAF Energy LLC PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE WITH TRANSPARENT PERIMETER EDGES.
US11508861B1 (en) 2021-06-02 2022-11-22 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic module with light-scattering encapsulant providing shingle-mimicking appearance
WO2023283248A1 (en) 2021-07-06 2023-01-12 GAF Energy LLC Jumper module for photovoltaic systems
WO2023287584A1 (en) 2021-07-16 2023-01-19 GAF Energy LLC Roof material storage bracket
WO2023034432A1 (en) 2021-09-01 2023-03-09 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic modules for commercial roofing
WO2023141566A1 (en) 2022-01-20 2023-07-27 GAF Energy LLC Roofing shingles for mimicking the appearance of photovoltaic modules
CA3188772A1 (en) 2022-02-08 2023-08-08 GAF Energy LLC Building integrated photovoltaic system
WO2023164494A1 (en) 2022-02-23 2023-08-31 GAF Energy LLC Roofing shingle and method of manufacturing same
US11984521B2 (en) 2022-03-10 2024-05-14 GAF Energy LLC Combined encapsulant and backsheet for photovoltaic modules
CA3247711A1 (en) 2022-04-08 2023-10-12 GAF Energy LLC Low profile connector for solar roofing systems
CA3257758A1 (en) 2022-06-06 2023-12-14 GAF Energy LLC Active component indicators for photovoltaic systems
CA3258720A1 (en) 2022-07-15 2024-01-18 GAF Energy LLC Solar roofing system with fiber composite roofing shingles
US12145348B2 (en) 2022-08-24 2024-11-19 GAF Energy LLC System for forming a roofing membrane, and associated method
WO2024050316A1 (en) 2022-08-29 2024-03-07 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic modules with offset layers
WO2024050277A1 (en) 2022-09-01 2024-03-07 GAF Energy LLC Anti-reflective photovoltaic shingles and related methods
WO2024059462A1 (en) 2022-09-13 2024-03-21 GAF Energy LLC Sensing roofing system and method thereof
WO2024073288A1 (en) 2022-09-26 2024-04-04 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic modules integrated with building siding and fencing
US12143064B2 (en) 2022-09-29 2024-11-12 GAF Energy LLC Jumper module with sleeve
WO2024091828A1 (en) 2022-10-25 2024-05-02 GAF Energy LLC Roofing materials and related methods
US12231075B2 (en) 2022-10-27 2025-02-18 GAF Energy LLC Building integrated photovoltaic systems
US12413183B2 (en) 2022-11-15 2025-09-09 GAF Energy LLC Electrical cable passthrough for photovoltaic systems
US11811361B1 (en) 2022-12-14 2023-11-07 GAF Energy LLC Rapid shutdown device for photovoltaic modules
WO2024163922A1 (en) 2023-02-03 2024-08-08 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic module, and associated kit, system, and method
US12355390B1 (en) 2023-02-03 2025-07-08 GAF Energy LLC Solar shingle and associated roofing system and method
US12413174B2 (en) 2023-02-21 2025-09-09 GAF Energy LLC Roofing system including photovoltaic module wireway cover, and associated method
CA3229888A1 (en) 2023-02-23 2025-04-25 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic shingles with multi-module power electronics
US12506440B2 (en) 2023-02-28 2025-12-23 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic modules with energy storage components
CA3231973A1 (en) 2023-03-14 2025-06-26 GAF Energy LLC Integrated cell and circuit interconnection
US12009782B1 (en) 2023-04-04 2024-06-11 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic systems with wireways
US12413177B2 (en) 2023-08-31 2025-09-09 GAF Energy LLC Photovoltaic modules and roofing shingles with nail zones
US12451838B1 (en) 2023-10-06 2025-10-21 GAF Energy LLC Failsafe functionality for photovoltaic modules
US12316268B2 (en) 2023-10-26 2025-05-27 GAF Energy LLC Roofing systems with water ingress protection
US12438495B2 (en) 2023-12-05 2025-10-07 GAF Energy LLC Roofing system for prevention of roofing shingle deformation
US12480309B2 (en) 2024-04-10 2025-11-25 GAF Energy LLC Roofing shingles with fire retardant structure
US12540474B2 (en) 2024-07-22 2026-02-03 GAF Energy LLC Electrically grounding metal roofing shingles with photovoltaic systems

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60201652A (en) * 1984-03-26 1985-10-12 Toppan Printing Co Ltd Back surface protective sheet for solar cell module
JPS60253253A (en) * 1984-05-29 1985-12-13 Toppan Printing Co Ltd Back protective sheet for solar cell module
JP3267738B2 (en) * 1993-05-07 2002-03-25 キヤノン株式会社 Solar cell module
EP0631328B1 (en) * 1993-06-24 1998-05-27 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Solar cell module having heat-fused portion to improve moisture resistance
JP3135477B2 (en) 1994-04-28 2001-02-13 キヤノン株式会社 Solar cell module
US5660645A (en) * 1994-04-28 1997-08-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Solar cell module
DE19707280A1 (en) * 1997-02-24 1998-08-27 Siemens Ag Climate and corrosion-stable layer structure
JP3701398B2 (en) * 1996-07-12 2005-09-28 大日本印刷株式会社 Transparent composite film
JPH1154768A (en) * 1997-07-31 1999-02-26 Bridgestone Corp Solar cell sealing material
DE69924025T2 (en) * 1998-12-07 2005-07-21 Bridgestone Corp. COVER MATERIAL FOR SOLAR CELL
JP4459341B2 (en) * 1999-11-19 2010-04-28 株式会社カネカ Solar cell module

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9583668B2 (en) 2000-11-29 2017-02-28 The Australian National University Semiconductor device
US8197928B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2012-06-12 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Intrusion resistant safety glazings and solar cell modules
US8168885B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2012-05-01 E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Low modulus solar cell encapsulant sheets with enhanced stability and adhesion
US8962971B2 (en) 2009-03-03 2015-02-24 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Laminated polymer film and solar module made thereof
US8609777B2 (en) 2009-07-31 2013-12-17 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Cross-linkable encapsulants for photovoltaic cells
US8603272B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2013-12-10 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Multilayer films containing a fluorinated copolymer resin layer and an encapsulant layer
US8609980B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2013-12-17 E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Cross-linkable ionomeric encapsulants for photovoltaic cells

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1182710A1 (en) 2002-02-27
DE69932098D1 (en) 2006-08-03
DE69932098T2 (en) 2006-10-19
US6407329B1 (en) 2002-06-18
EP1182710A4 (en) 2002-08-21
WO2000062348A1 (en) 2000-10-19
JP2000294813A (en) 2000-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6407329B1 (en) Backside covering member for solar battery, sealing film and solar battery
EP1150357B1 (en) Cover material for solar cell
EP1228536B1 (en) Backside covering material for a solar cell module and its use
JP4207456B2 (en) Solar cell module and temporary fixing tape therefor
US5728230A (en) Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
US7960643B2 (en) Isolated metallic flexible back sheet for solar module encapsulation
JP3057671B2 (en) Solar cell module
US7829783B2 (en) Isolated metallic flexible back sheet for solar module encapsulation
US5582653A (en) Solar cell module having a surface protective member composed of a fluororesin containing an ultraviolet absorber dispersed therein
EP1973171B1 (en) Solar cell module
KR101314698B1 (en) Backside protective sheet for solar cell and solar cell module comprising the same
JP2915327B2 (en) Solar cell module and method of manufacturing the same
JP2000174296A (en) Cover material for solar cell, sealing film, and solar cell
EP1172864A1 (en) Solar cell module
KR19980032642A (en) Solar modules
JP2004319800A (en) Solar cell module
JP3978912B2 (en) Solar cell cover material, sealing film, and solar cell
JP5805366B2 (en) Solar cell back surface protection sheet and solar cell module using the same
JP3978911B2 (en) Solar cell cover material, sealing film, and solar cell
JP4887551B2 (en) Solar cell back cover material sealing film and solar cell
JP2002026343A (en) Back cover material for solar cell and solar cell
JPH11112007A (en) Solar cell module and method of manufacturing the same
JP2000174299A (en) Cover material for solar cell, sealing film, and solar cell
JP3135477B2 (en) Solar cell module
JP2002185026A (en) Method for manufacturing solar battery module

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20001128

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7H 01L 31/042 A, 7B 32B 27/28 B, 7B 32B 27/08 B

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20020704

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030402

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060803

Kind code of ref document: P

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070322

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20131220

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20131219

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20131220

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: GRUENECKER, KINKELDEY, STOCKMAIR & SCHWANHAEUS, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Effective date: 20140812

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: GRUENECKER PATENT- UND RECHTSANWAELTE PARTG MB, DE

Effective date: 20140828

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: GRUENECKER, KINKELDEY, STOCKMAIR & SCHWANHAEUS, DE

Effective date: 20140828

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION, JP

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: BRIDGESTONE CORP., TOKIO/TOKYO, JP

Effective date: 20140828

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69932098

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20141201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20150831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141201

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150701

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141231